Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School: Medical Sciences
This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.
Unit Title
Drugs in SocietyUnit Code
SCH2131Year
2015Enrolment Period
1Version
1Credit Points
15Full Year Unit
N
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Description
This unit will introduce students to basic concepts of the pharmacology of many drugs including those most commonly used or abused in human society. The general mechanisms of drugs will be explained in such a way that little biological knowledge is required, but sufficient detail will be included to permit the student to understand the beneficial and harmful effects of many drugs. The course will include an overview of drug metabolism as well as the effects of drugs on the nervous system. One aspect of the course will be the study of drug addiction with specific attention focused on the current use of illicit drugs and the psychology and genetic basis of drug dependence. Lecturers will also encompass the current use of drugs to enhance sporting performance.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Describe the benefits and dangers associated with drugs and explain their physiological effects.
- Details the use and abuse of drugs in sport.
- Explain the beneficial and/or detrimental effects of drugs on the nervous system.
- Explain the principles of drug metabolism and drug action.
- Explain the societal problems associated with drug abuse, and describe the psychological effects of drug dependence for both legitimate and illegitimate drugs.
- Identify common over the counter drugs and illegal drugs and describe their physiological effects.
- Understand genetic differences that affect the ability of individuals to metabolise drugs.
Unit Content
- Adverse reactions to drugs: side effects predictable and unpredictable, allergic reactions; pathophysiology: types of drug allergies and suggested treatments; drugs during pregnancy: transfer across the placenta, teratogenic properties.
- Antibiotics and anticrobials: history and discovery; evolution and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance; broad and narrow spectrum antibiotics; antiviral agents.
- Basic pharmacokinetics: drug metabolism sites, mechanisms, factors affecting metabolism; drug interaction; drug absorption, distribution, excretion; drugs as agonists or inhibitors both competitive and non-competitive; pharmacodynamics: the mode of drug action, chemical, physical, physicochemical.
- Common OTC (over-the-counter) drugs: upper respiratory tract infections: cough mixtures, antihistamines, analgesics; gastrointestinal: antacids, antiflaturants, ulcer treatments; vitamins and minerals.
- Drug administration, absorption: oral preparation: tablet, enteric coated, sustained release; methods of drug delivery, oral, tropical, transdermal, injection; parenteral injection: intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous.
- Drug use and abuse in sport: NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory analgesics), stimulants and anabolic steroids.
- Neuropharmacology: overview of nervous system and chemical transmitters; drug use and design to mimic chemical transmitters; harmful effects of drugs on the nervous system.
- Pharmacogenetics: good and poor metabolisers; susceptibility to adverse drug reactions.
- Prescription (and illegal) drugs of dependence: narcotics (including heroin); Benzodiazepines; Barbiturates; stimulants: amphetamines and related drugs; cocaine; cocaine; mind-altering drugs: Hallucinogens: LSD, Mescaline, marijuana; inhalants (glue, petrol etc) and anaesethics.
- Introduction: drug nomenclature and terminology; a brief history of drugs; drug use in different societies; drug therapy; identification of commonly abused drugs: a-z of street drugs; drug scheduling and drug laws.
Additional Learning Experience Information
Lectures and tutorials will be supported by audio-visual materials, web sites, textbooks and journal articles. Lectures will be presented by industry leaders in the field. Students are required to communicate the outcomes of their journal research and evaluation using appropriate technology in teams, to their peer groups. Presentations are evaluated for correct use of spoken English. If needed, students are referred to a learning advisor.
Assessment
GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units
Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.
ON CAMPUS| Type | Description | Value |
|---|
| Examination | Examination | 50% |
| Examination | Mid-semester quiz | 20% |
| Presentation | Assignment | 30% |
Text References
- ^ Galbraith, A., Bullock, S., & Manias, E. (2004). Fundamentals of pharmacology (4th ed.). Sydney: Addison Wesley.
- Liska, K. (2000). Drugs and the human body with implications for society (7th ed.). New York: Macmillan.
- Hanson, G., & Venturelli, P. (2000). Drugs and society (6th ed.). Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlet.
Journal References
- Yang, A., Palmer, A.A., & de Wit, H. (2010). Genetics of caffeine consumption and responses to caffeine. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 211(3): 245-57 Springer, Berlin.
- Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Psychopharmacology
- Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews
- Pharmacology Reviews
- Drugs in Sport: Second Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Environment Recreation and the Arts
- Leggio, L. (2009). Understanding and treating alcohol craving and dependence: recent pharmacological and neuroendocrinological findings: Alcohol and alcoholism, 44: 341-52 Oxford University Press, Oxford.
- The British Journal of Pharmacology
- Ismail S, Buckley S, Budacki, R., Jabbar, A., & Gallicano, G.I. (2010). Screening, diagnosing and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome: is this syndrome treatable? Developmental neuroscience, 32(2): 91-100.
- Gilbert-Barness, E. (2010). Teratogenic causes of malformations. Annals of clinical laboratory science, 40(2): 99-114.
- Kawai, M., & Rosen, C.J. (2010). Minireview: A skeleton in serotonin's closet? Endocrinology, 151(9): 4103-8.
- Gentile, S. (2010). Neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal exposure to psychotropic medications. Depression and anxiety, 27(7): 675-86.
Website References
Other References
- VIDEO Drugs in sport
- VIDEO What is your poison?
- VIDEO ABC television hypotheticals
^ Mandatory reference
Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
Academic Misconduct
Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- plagiarism;
- unauthorised collaboration;
- cheating in examinations;
- theft of other students' work;
Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.
The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.
SCH2131|1|1
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
School: Medical Sciences
This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.
Unit Title
Drugs in SocietyUnit Code
SCH2131Year
2015Enrolment Period
2Version
1Credit Points
15Full Year Unit
N
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Description
This unit will introduce students to basic concepts of the pharmacology of many drugs including those most commonly used or abused in human society. The general mechanisms of drugs will be explained in such a way that little biological knowledge is required, but sufficient detail will be included to permit the student to understand the beneficial and harmful effects of many drugs. The course will include an overview of drug metabolism as well as the effects of drugs on the nervous system. One aspect of the course will be the study of drug addiction with specific attention focused on the current use of illicit drugs and the psychology and genetic basis of drug dependence. Lecturers will also encompass the current use of drugs to enhance sporting performance.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Describe the benefits and dangers associated with drugs and explain their physiological effects.
- Details the use and abuse of drugs in sport.
- Explain the beneficial and/or detrimental effects of drugs on the nervous system.
- Explain the principles of drug metabolism and drug action.
- Explain the societal problems associated with drug abuse, and describe the psychological effects of drug dependence for both legitimate and illegitimate drugs.
- Identify common over the counter drugs and illegal drugs and describe their physiological effects.
- Understand genetic differences that affect the ability of individuals to metabolise drugs.
Unit Content
- Adverse reactions to drugs: side effects predictable and unpredictable, allergic reactions; pathophysiology: types of drug allergies and suggested treatments; drugs during pregnancy: transfer across the placenta, teratogenic properties.
- Antibiotics and anticrobials: history and discovery; evolution and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance; broad and narrow spectrum antibiotics; antiviral agents.
- Basic pharmacokinetics: drug metabolism sites, mechanisms, factors affecting metabolism; drug interaction; drug absorption, distribution, excretion; drugs as agonists or inhibitors both competitive and non-competitive; pharmacodynamics: the mode of drug action, chemical, physical, physicochemical.
- Common OTC (over-the-counter) drugs: upper respiratory tract infections: cough mixtures, antihistamines, analgesics; gastrointestinal: antacids, antiflaturants, ulcer treatments; vitamins and minerals.
- Drug administration, absorption: oral preparation: tablet, enteric coated, sustained release; methods of drug delivery, oral, tropical, transdermal, injection; parenteral injection: intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous.
- Drug use and abuse in sport: NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory analgesics), stimulants and anabolic steroids.
- Neuropharmacology: overview of nervous system and chemical transmitters; drug use and design to mimic chemical transmitters; harmful effects of drugs on the nervous system.
- Pharmacogenetics: good and poor metabolisers; susceptibility to adverse drug reactions.
- Prescription (and illegal) drugs of dependence: narcotics (including heroin); Benzodiazepines; Barbiturates; stimulants: amphetamines and related drugs; cocaine; cocaine; mind-altering drugs: Hallucinogens: LSD, Mescaline, marijuana; inhalants (glue, petrol etc) and anaesethics.
- Introduction: drug nomenclature and terminology; a brief history of drugs; drug use in different societies; drug therapy; identification of commonly abused drugs: a-z of street drugs; drug scheduling and drug laws.
Additional Learning Experience Information
Lectures and tutorials will be supported by audio-visual materials, web sites, textbooks and journal articles. Lectures will be presented by industry leaders in the field. Students are required to communicate the outcomes of their journal research and evaluation using appropriate technology in teams, to their peer groups. Presentations are evaluated for correct use of spoken English. If needed, students are referred to a learning advisor.
Assessment
GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units
Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.
ON CAMPUS| Type | Description | Value |
|---|
| Examination | Examination | 50% |
| Examination | Mid-semester quiz | 20% |
| Presentation | Assignment | 30% |
Text References
- ^ Galbraith, A., Bullock, S., & Manias, E. (2004). Fundamentals of pharmacology (4th ed.). Sydney: Addison Wesley.
- Liska, K. (2000). Drugs and the human body with implications for society (7th ed.). New York: Macmillan.
- Hanson, G., & Venturelli, P. (2000). Drugs and society (6th ed.). Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlet.
Journal References
- Kawai, M., & Rosen, C.J. (2010). Minireview: A skeleton in serotonin's closet? Endocrinology, 151(9): 4103-8.
- Leggio, L. (2009). Understanding and treating alcohol craving and dependence: recent pharmacological and neuroendocrinological findings: Alcohol and alcoholism, 44: 341-52 Oxford University Press, Oxford.
- Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Psychopharmacology
- Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews
- Pharmacology Reviews
- Drugs in Sport: Second Report of the Senate Standing Committee on Environment Recreation and the Arts
- The British Journal of Pharmacology
- Yang, A., Palmer, A.A., & de Wit, H. (2010). Genetics of caffeine consumption and responses to caffeine. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 211(3): 245-57 Springer, Berlin.
- Ismail S, Buckley S, Budacki, R., Jabbar, A., & Gallicano, G.I. (2010). Screening, diagnosing and prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome: is this syndrome treatable? Developmental neuroscience, 32(2): 91-100.
- Gilbert-Barness, E. (2010). Teratogenic causes of malformations. Annals of clinical laboratory science, 40(2): 99-114.
- Gentile, S. (2010). Neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal exposure to psychotropic medications. Depression and anxiety, 27(7): 675-86.
Website References
Other References
- VIDEO Drugs in sport
- VIDEO What is your poison?
- VIDEO ABC television hypotheticals
^ Mandatory reference
Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.
Academic Misconduct
Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- plagiarism;
- unauthorised collaboration;
- cheating in examinations;
- theft of other students' work;
Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.
The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.
SCH2131|1|2
